Australian firm Carter Williamson[1] recently debuted its prototype for an innovative flat-packed emergency shelter in Sydney's Martin Place. The sustainable housing shelter is prefabricated and packed for transport to any location, and telescoping feet allow for a secure placement on uneven terrain. For water and energy, the home features rainwater collection and a photovoltaic systems, enabling it to be self-sufficient. The shelter can be assembled in one day, and it can house up to 10 people.

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Carter Williamson’s Emergency Shelter–also known as “Grid”–is based on a system of a standard 2.4-meter material lengths and truck-load capacity. These standard lengths allow it to be flat-packed and shipped via truck to the location it is needed. Upon arrival, the materials are unloaded and easily assembled by four unskilled workers in less than a day. To maintain a solid foundation on uneven terrain, the shelter makes use of inverted Acrow props, which are traditionally used for scaffolding. In this case the telescoping feet can accommodate for differences in height and devastated locations.

The shelter features a large open floor plan with a mezzanine loft for sleeping. Barn door-style window shades open to allow for natural ventilation and can be closed to protect from inclement weather. The roof collects rainwater in two 950-liter cisterns on the back; a solar hot water system makes hot water; and a 1.5-kW photovoltaic system generates off-grid power. A deck can be attached to the house to provide extra space as well as a spot for an outdoor shower and a composting toilet. Carter Williamson’s design is also modular and the shelters can be combined in large clusters to aid large groups of people.